Marcin Nowak summarized the season. “In Rzeszów everything works as it should”

The 2024 season for TEXOM STAL Rzeszów already ended after the regular phase. The seventh position caused some dissatisfaction among the white-blue ranks. Team captain, Marcin Nowak, talked about the season in an interview for ekstraliga.pl.

The METALKAS 2. Ekstraliga newcomer in the 2024 season achieved its main goal, which was staying in the league. At one point, the appetite even reached the play-off phase, narrowly missed by the Rzeszów team. Despite this, there’s a very good mood in the club ahead of the next season, where the bar will be set significantly higher.

The squad composed by president Michał Drymała already looks impressive on paper. The core of the team includes the three-time world champion, Tai Woffinden, and the senior lineup will be complemented by players with considerable experience in PGE Ekstraliga: Paweł Przedpełski and Keynan Rew. The previous captain of the Rzeszów team, Marcin Nowak summarized both the team and individual aspects of the past season. The 29-year-old also evaluated the character composition of the new TEXOM STAL lineup.

Grzegorz Adamczyk(ekstraliga.pl): Before the season, we talked about your goals, both personal and team. TEXOM STAL remained in the league, but you were close to making the play-offs. How do you rate this season? Do you feel some disappointment?

Marcin Nowak (TEXOM STAL Rzeszów): Overall, I rate the season positively. Although I didn’t achieve my main individual goal of advancing to the Polish Individual Championships cycle or the team goal of reaching the play-offs. As you mentioned, we were very close to that advancement, so there’s indeed some disappointment, but we secured the minimum goal of staying in the METALKAS 2. Ekstraliga. Additionally, I participated in a lot of international events and managed to be on the podium in several individual tournaments. In the grand scheme, I consider the season to be successful.

Individually, it was your best year on the tracks of METALKAS 2. Ekstraliga, alongside Nicki Pedersen and Jacob Thorssell, you were the best competitor for TEXOM STAL. Are you setting the bar even higher for next year?

Definitely. I know I can achieve more. Many of my matches were really well performed and I finished them with a smile, but I didn’t avoid mistakes and some races I performed below my level.

When we talked before the 2024 season, I asked you how the team with Nicki Pedersen would look. You praised the Dane and mentioned that you couldn’t wait to learn from his experience. How does it feel now after the season? Did you gain a lot from those shared events and training sessions?

Unfortunately not so much, which I regret, but I wouldn’t want to discuss this topic too much.

Now you’ll be working with another three-time world champion – Tai Woffinden. Paweł Przedpełski and Keynan Rew will also join your team. The team lineup promises to be incredible. It’s obvious that speedway is an unpredictable sport, but the strength of TEXOM STAL seems impressive. The play-offs is almost a must, and what’s next? What’s the opinion of the captain of such a strong team?

Whether I’ll continue as captain is still uncertain, as the choice will definitely occur during the preparation camp for the 2025 season. I believe that the sports level of the team assembled by president Michał Drymała and Paweł Piskorz is higher than what we had during the past season. Importantly, we have added members to our lineup who know how to cooperate as a team, which is evident when watching the matches they partake in, and that is very important in the overall performance of the team.

It seems you’ve found practically a second home in Rzeszów. The 2025 season will already be your third spent with the club. Was there ever a thought of leaving for another team?

There was a casual inquiry from one of the METALKAS 2. Ekstraliga clubs, but I had already given my word to the president of TEXOM STAL. Riding for the Rzeszów club was a priority for me and I didn’t consider other options. In Rzeszów, everything works as it should, so I see no point in looking for another club.

You’ve often emphasized how important the mental aspect is. More and more athletes are deciding to work with specialists. Pressure and expectations can be overwhelming. In your opinion – how much did the decision to work with Leszek Furman impact your career?

Honestly, it’s hard for me to answer that question. I’ve been working with Leszek for so long that it’s difficult to remember how things looked before. I certainly wouldn’t change anything in my current system that works.

It’s time for a winter break, a moment to relax with family, and then a return to training? What are your plans ahead? Are you planning any changes in your preparations, or will you follow the proven path?

In this regard, I won’t be changing much. Of course, with each season, I gain more insights into physical and motor preparation, as well as my diet. Small adjustments will be made, but without any drastic changes.